Improved Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) package includes many refinements like new acoustic windshield glass and new gaskets between the mirror flag and door reduce interior noise levels.

The new 2013 Fiat 500e brings Italian flair and fun to drive characteristics to the typically dull and appliance like electric car segment. The Fiat 500e is easily the most attractive affordable electric car on the market today.

The new Fiat 500e electric vehicle has been in the works for some time. I first ran the story of the 500e back in January 2010. At the time, the car was called the 500EV and almost seemed like an afterthought, however the car debuting today turns out to be anything but. The car has been developed and engineered by Chrysler in Auburn Hills, and benefits from a long lead time and extensive aerodynamic refinements resulting in a 13% improvement in the coefficient of drag (Cd) over the conventional Fiat 500. Over 140 hours of wind tunnel testing enables the 2013 Fiat 500e to achieve a 0.311 Cd compared to a 500 Lounge model's 0.359 Cd. In the real world, all this work translates into an additional 5 miles of range.

The main areas Fiat engineers concentrated on were:

Front fascia sealing

Aerodynamically optimized front fascia design

Flush profile 15 inch aluminum wheels

Streamlined exterior mirror caps

Under vehicle belly pans

Refined side sills

Drag reducing rear fascia design

Optimizing the liftgate mounted spoiler

Outwardly, the Fiat 500 E is distinguished from the regular Fiat 500 by a unique front and rear fascia and side skirts. These fascias incorporate a dot-matrix design Fiat says was inspired from 1960s Italian furniture and print designs. Those design elements, along with Electrico Arancione (Electric Orange)accents, gives the 500e a surprisingly futuristic yet retro look, if that makes sense. The 500E logos displayed on all four corners are a nice touch.

There are three exterior themes available: Nero, Bianco Perla and the e-Sport package:

The interior of the Fiat 500e is bright and airy and continues with the retro/futuristic look. The combination leatherette and cloth trim is in Cream or Nero with more Electrico Arancione (Electric Orange) accents on the seats and steering wheel. An all new 7 inch thin-film transistor display uses full-color graphics to report driving range and state of charge, along with other important functions.

e-Sport Package
The 2013 Fiat 500e offers an attractive sport package I predict will find its way onto conventional Fiat 500s because it looks that good. This may be the first time an enthusiast would want their car to resemble an EV!

The e-Sport package consists of Nero dot-matrix front and rear valances along with blacked out headlights, parking and tailights. Electric Orange striping and trim and black painted alloys gives this special 500e a look like no other electric car has.

Expect to see the new 2013 Fiat 500e in California Fiat Studios in the second half of 2013!

Disclaimer

Fiat500USA is an independent Fiat enthusiasts' site and is in no way connected to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) and any of its subsidiaries. The use of all names, logos, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners in this site are for reference only and does not imply any connection or relationship between fiat500usa.com and these companies. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are for entertainment purposes only.